Admissions Considerations

To apply for admission to the Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) DC Concentration, a candidate should have completed a bachelor’s degree and is preferred to have two years or more of subsequent work experience, preferably in public service (federal, state or local levels), nonprofit agencies (U.S. or international nonprofits, national volunteer organizations, etc.), or business (preferably with a strategy, finance, management or policy dimension).

Because a significant component of this program is placement in a professional, six-month Policy Apprenticeship in Washington, DC during the final two program semesters, the admissions committee will, beyond the candidate’s academic qualifications, also assess the candidate’s potential to successfully secure and succeed in these positions while simultaneously attending evening classes.

Note: Be sure to choose Global Policy Studies DC when you are asked to select your major in the application process.

Are you a current or former UT Austin graduate student?
Current and former UT Austin graduate students should submit the Change of Major form instead of completing the ApplyTexas application. This does not apply to current and former UT Austin undergraduate students, who should submit the ApplyTexas application.

Are you applying to a dual degree program?
If you are applying to a dual degree program, please select the correct dual degree code on the ApplyTexas application. Do not submit separate ApplyTexas applications for each program.

Each department reviews dual degree applications independently. You must complete all of the requirements set by each department, including separate deadlines, test requirements, etc. If you are only admitted to one program, you will have the option of switching to the single degree program after the review process.

Application Requirements

Test Scores
The GRE is required of all applicants, and the TOEFL is required of international applicants. We do not accept the IELTS. Visit UT's website for more information about test scores.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required as part of your application. We prefer one professional reference and one academic reference, while the third can be either professional or academic, depending on where you are in your career. Please review the departmental requirements section for more information about electronic submission of letters of recommendation.

Résumé
After submitting your ApplyTexas application, you will receive access to your MyStatus page. You can upload your résumé directly onto your MyStatus page once you receive access. Please note that it will take at least one to two business days for you to receive access to your MyStatus page after submitting your ApplyTexas application. You are strongly encouraged to highlight any public or private sector public policy-related experience.

Statement of Purpose
After submitting your ApplyTexas application, you will receive access to your MyStatus page. You can upload your Statement of Purpose directly onto your MyStatus page once you receive access. Please note that it will take at least one to two business days for you to receive access to your MyStatus page after submitting your ApplyTexas application.

Please address the following topics in your statement:

Why are you interested in global policy studies, and what international or transnational policy challenge do you find most compelling?

What are your public policy subject matter interests (please be as specific as possible)? Ten years from now, what type of professional work do you hope to be doing in the field of federal or international public policy?

What meaningful international experiences have you had so far, and how did they shape your outlook about international affairs and your career?

What in your background do you believe has prepared you to work in the DC international policy environment?

Discuss one or two policy organizations in Washington DC that interest you as a place you might wish to undertake your required 6-month DC Policy Apprenticeship.